Formed in the wake of the Jacobin Reign of Terror’s bloody guillotine, the Directoire was established to lead France into order through the leadership of a five-member council of directors. It was brief, lasting only from 1795 to 1799, ending with Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état, and was economically tumultuous. Yet it was an essential bridge between the era of Louis XVI and the elaborate Empire style that followed, with Directoire furniture and decorative arts shaped by a royal passion for classical design and an enthusiasm for postrevolutionary France.
Much of the country’s furniture production had halted during the French Revolution when the furniture guilds system was abolished, but during the Directoire period, the cabinetmakers restarted their businesses, such as François-Honoré-Georges and Jacob-Desmalter who established a new workshop called Jacob-Frères. Pieces made in walnut, elm, mahogany and other inexpensive materials incorporated influences ranging from Egypt to Pompeii, with popular forms including the curule armchair based on an ancient Roman design. The aesthetics of the transitional style were more austere than during the monarchy, with court cabinetmaker Jean-Baptiste Sené, for instance, reimagining his workshop’s neoclassical-style furniture with ungilded surfaces and a reduction of ornamentation.
Symbols referencing the revolutionary tenets of liberty, equality and fraternity were frequently carved into Directoire furnishings, such as the Phrygian cap, clasped hands and the fasces, which is an image of a bound bundle of sticks adopted from the Roman Republic, where it was seen as an emblem of strength through unity.
Elements of the French Directoire style continued through Empire style. Designers Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine are credited today as major proponents of both movements. The classically inspired furniture design is represented in pieces such as the boat-shaped daybed and the klismos chair, which endured in French interiors as well as in styles abroad, including American Directoire.
Find a collection of antique Directoire chairs, tables, daybeds, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Pair of French Directoire Late 18th Century Lidded Apothecary Jars with Labels
By Deroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire period ceramic lidded apothecary jars from the late 18th century, with hand-painted foliage motifs, labeled Tamarind and Ext. Cicutæ A:F, from the Deroche...
Ceramic
18th Century Porcelain Cabinet Cup and Saucer Empire French Locre and Russinger
By Meissen Porcelain, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Dresden Porcelain, Locre, Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique French Locre & Russinger French gilded porcelain cup and saucer with figural handle On the cup four landscapes in reserve (2 lozenge) and a row embossed pearls. In the corner...
Gold Leaf
19th Century French Directoire Style Silver Plate Mirrored Surtout de Table Tray
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Originally used to display a centerpiece on a buffet or table, this large late nineteenth century French Directoire style silver plate footed tray, or surtout de table, features a mi...
Silver Plate
$2,056Sale Price / set|20% Off
18th Century Porcelain Cabinet Cup and Saucer Empire Directoire French porcelain
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Dresden Porcelain, Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM), Meissen Porcelain, Porcelaine de Paris
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique French Paris porcelain cabinet cup and saucer with figural griffin handle The cup is divided in three section by two rows of embossed pearls. In the middle section four burni...
Gold Leaf
Vaso con Piatto in Cristallo Decoro Blu e Oro Austroungarico Inizio 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant decagonal shaped crystal lidded vase, dish plate dating back to Directoire period, finely decorated by elaborate floral and geometrical gilded, white and blue enameled patter...
Crystal
Pair of Antique Aprey French Faience Pottery Cachepots or Jardinieres
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique French faience jardinieres or cachepots. By Aprey. Each with two painted scenes on either side. One has a man gardening and a woman carrying a breadbask...
Faience
Dihl et Guerhard, époque Consulat, Empire - tasse à chocolat et sa soucoupe - fo
Located in PARIS, FR
Dihl et Guerhard, époque Consulat, Empire - tasse à chocolat et sa soucoupe - fond écaille Tasse à chocolat et sa soucoupe Porcelaine dure à couverte métallique et rehaussée de doru...
Porcelain
Directoire French Golden Ocher Color Tole Tray
Located in Chireno, TX
Directoire French golden ocher color tole tray adorned in original painted decoration, early 19th century. Note: Original/early finish on antique an...
Tôle
$1,999 / set
H 1.23 in Dm 1.58 in
18th Century Japanese Imari Gold Porcelain Small Lobbed Cups and Saucers
Located in Delft, NL
18th century Japanese Imari Gold porcelain small lobbed cups and saucers Early 18th century imari gold lobbed Japanese cups and saucers Small cups and saucers...
Porcelain
$902 / item
H 5.91 in Dm 5.52 in
Country Style German Crystal Glas Latern in Red Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand blown crystal vase/latern in bright red color. Hand carved by Bavarian glass artists with a birds decor in the style of country. A rich oak leave garland all around with 2 birds...
Crystal
Lighted Vanity Tray in Cristallo Scalpellato and Carved Brass
By Fontana Arte
Located in Hanover, MA
This one-of-a-kind presentation or dressing table tray was created exclusively for BG Galleries by one of our own artisans, embellishing the style of Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. ...
Crystal, Brass
$775
H 5 in W 11.25 in D 7.75 in
19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Jardiniere Signed Henriot Quimper
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a buffet or table with this colorful antique faience jardiniere. Crafted in Brittany, France, circa 1880, the oval planter features crown shaped scalloped edges and is dress...
Ceramic, Faience
$1,150
H 1.75 in W 19.75 in D 12.5 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Silver-Plated Serving Tray with Handles
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1880, this refined antique silver-plated serving tray showcases the elegant symmetry and ornamental vocabulary of the Louis XVI style. The rectangular board i...
Silver Plate
Hand Blown Monumental Wheel Cut Crystal "Hurricane Vase"
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This fabulous hand blown crystal shape appears to be a hurricane but in fact is a tall and elegant vase. Completely wheel cut all over in an Art Nouveau floral motif with undulating ...
Crystal
Berlin Faience Black Chinoiserie Covered Urn
Located in New York, NY
Of ginger jar shape with outscrolled handles, surmounted by a pierced lid with knob-form finial; decorated with Court figures in a pagoda riverscape.
Faience
$9,500 / set
H 12 in Dm 5 in
Pr. 19th Century Antique Bohemian White Over Clear Crystal Maiden Portrait Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 19th century Louis XVI style Bohemian white over clear crystal maiden portrait vases with hand-painted gilt décor. Each is beautifully hand-painted with gorgeous maidens lo...
Crystal
Wood and Brass Tray, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant rectangular solid wood tray, featuring a surrounding wooden gallery with brass fittings accentuating the corners. Its understated, refined design highlights the wood's natural beauty and the patina it has acquired over time. With its integrated side handles, this tray is as practical as it is decorative. It is perfect for display on a table, sideboard, or console—whether for serving drinks, showcasing decorative objects, or acting as a catch-all tray. A beautiful antique piece blending functionality with elegance, ideal for classic, country-chic, or timeless interiors. Style : Classic Napoleon III French Rustic chic Elegant 19th century Key Features : Solid wood Brass fittings Integrated handles Beautiful original patina French-made 19th century Serving tray Decorative and functional object Sturdy construction Keywords : wood serving tray, antique wooden tray, brass tray, French antique tray, serving tray with handles, wooden butler tray, brass-mounted tray, 19th-century tray, antique home decor, vintage serving tray, antique wood tray...
Brass
André Leboeuf, Porcelain Cup and Saucer - late 18th century, Paris
Located in DELFT, NL
Cup and saucer, attributed to the Parisian Manufacture à la Reine rue Thiroux. ca 1785-1790. Refined and elaborate decoration of flower festoons and gilt ornament. The manufacture w...
Porcelain
$2,850 / set
H 1.88 in Dm 3.25 in
Antique Signed 18th Century Sevres Porcelain Floral Cornflower Cup & Saucer
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique French porcelain cup & saucer pair. By Sevres. In a blue Cornflower pattern. Each with blue floral decoration with gilt accents to the rim, footrim, and body. The saucer also with a pink flower to its center. Marked 'Bo' - likely for painter Henry-Germain Boileau fils. Circa 1792. Fully marked to the base of each. Simply a wonderful Sevres cup and saucer...
Porcelain
$788
H 2.37 in W 2.17 in D 2.17 in
19th Century, Sèvres Style, Fine French Hand-Painted Porcelain Cup & Saucer
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Elegant French porcelain cup and saucer, created in the late 19th century in the refined style of Sèvres. The set features an exquisite hand-painted romantic scene, executed in soft ...
Porcelain
$765
H 3.15 in W 3.15 in D 3.15 in L 3.15 in
19th Century, Sèvres Style, Fine French Hand-Painted Porcelain Cup & Saucer
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Elegant 19th century French porcelain cup and saucer, executed in the refined Sèvres style, featuring a hand-painted view of Château de Chambord, one of the most iconic castles of th...
Porcelain
Vienna porcelain - Cup and Saucer, early 19th century
Located in DELFT, NL
This fine cup and saucer set was produced by the Wiener Porzellanmanufaktur, also known as the Kaiserlich privilegierte Porzellan-Fabrik, established in 1718. Founded by Claudius Inn...
Porcelain
Val Saint Lambert Crystal Vase PU 'piece unique' Cut to Clear Signed
Located in Verviers, BE
Val Saint Lambert crystal Val Saint Lambert PU cut to clear signed: 1950. Beautiful signed Val Saint Lambert circular crystal Vase, hand-cut-to-clear, the glass is thick, deeply and...
Crystal
Sold
H 8.12 in Dm 4.06 in
Large Directoire Paris porcelain biscuit bowl - Locré Manufacture, 19th century
By Locré & Russinger's Factory 1
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Paris porcelain biscuit bowl, beautiful model enhanced with fine gold gilt Directoire patterns. High-end Parisian production, late 18th century circa 1795. Signed by French Lo...
Porcelain
Locré Manufacture : Paris porcelain coffee cup - 18th century
By Locré & Russinger's Factory 1
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Paris porcelain coffee cup and its saucer, beautiful model enhanced with fine gold gilt Directoire patterns. High-end Parisian production, late 18th century circa 1795. Not si...
Porcelain
Earthenware Soup Tureen Signed David Johnston In Bordeaux
Located in BARSAC, FR
Earthenware soup tureen with blue and white printed decoration from the David Johnston factory in Bordeaux. CIRCA 1830 Good condition, a chip under the lid
Faience
Four Vintage Wedgwood Directoire Pattern Yellow Creamware Plates
By Wedgewood
Located in New York, NY
Four vintage Wedgwood Directoire pattern yellow creamware plates. Two dinner plates and two luncheon plates in varying shades of yellow banding with i...
Creamware
Set of Four Wedgwood Directoire Yellow Banded Creamware Cups and Saucers
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Wedgwood Directoire pattern yellow banded cream cups and saucers. Cups and saucers in the Directoire pattern and style with characteristic handles of the post Revolutionary six year period of the French Directory...
Creamware
Silver Metal Jug of the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver metal pitcher from the 19th century Measures: H 19cm, L 10cm, P 16cm.
Metal
Sold
H 13 in W 8.27 in D 4.34 in
Antique Silver Cruet Set, Oil and Vinegar Bottles, 18th Century Period
By Ambroise Mignerot
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
French antique three-piece cruet service in Directoire/Consulate style. The set consists of two cut crystal bottles: two carafes for oil and vinegar, hel...
Crystal, Silver
English Water Warmer and Dispenser in Copper and Brass
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
English water warmer and dispenser in copper and brass, Directoire period. Measures: H 47cm, L 24cm, P 22cm.
Brass, Copper
18th Century French Pewter Tureen and Six Bowls
Located in Dallas, TX
A continental Pewter Tureen with six bowls, Europe, 19th century Marks: (various) Measures: height: 11.7 inches width: 16 inches diameter: 10.9 inches (29.5 x 40.6 x 27.6 cm)...
Pewter
Three-Tiered Mahogany and Brass Bar Cart, 1940s, France
By Maison Jansen, Edition Monix
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rare three-tiered neoclassical mahogany and brass drinks trolley.
Brass
Pair of Late 18th Century Gilt and Patinated Bronze Ewers
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
French Directory pair of ewers in gilded and patinated bronze with handles in the shape of winged Cupids. Both pitchers are decorated with ormolu garlands, a mask, and ribbons on the...
Bronze
Directoire Surtout De Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
Unusual Mirrored Surtout with Bisque Urns
Silver
Sold
H 30.25 in W 63.5 in D 26.75 in
Exquisite Antique French Directoire Style Butcher's Table w/Marble
Located in Highwood, IL
Awesome antique French butcher's presentation table with old paint and classic Directoire styling. Use this killer table in the kitchen helping prepare family meals, in the foyer as ...
Directoire French Pinkish-Ocher Color Tole Tray
Located in Chireno, TX
Directoire French pinkish-ocher color tole tray adorned in original painted decoration, early 19th century.
Tôle